MLB is testing out its ABS system, Automated Balls and Strikes, or what is commonly called robot-ump. But they are doing it in a kinder, gentler way.

Rather than have the computer determine what every pitch is, umpires will do that as always. But teams get two challenges per game. If a pitch is challenged, they check with ABS to see if it was, indeed, a ball or a strike. Only the batter on offense, and the pitcher and catcher on defense can call for a challenge. The manager cannot. And it must be called immediately by tapping on the helmet or hat.

If the call is overturned, the team isn’t charged a challenge and still has two left (or one if they had previously lost one that game). If the computer says the call was correct, and thus it’s upheld, the team loses one challenge.

They get two per game. That’s two per team, not per player. And there are no additional challenges added for extra innings. But, that really doesn’t matter in spring games because they rarely go extra innings. If they are tied after nine, they usually call them.

This is a test to see what works and what doesn’t.

Along with this, MLB is going to get rid of K-Zone, that box you’d see on your TV screen. It seems K-Zone and ABS do not match, so viewers at home might see a different result on close pitches than the ABS computer. MLB is going to allow some sort of strike zone overlay on TV, but they have not yet decided which one.

For people who think computers should call the entire game, this is not that. The robot-ump is merely a backup. For those who think humans should continue calling balls and strikes, they will get their wish, with a computer aiding them in getting it right.

It’s worth noting this system was put in place once Angel Hernandez retired. There aren’t enough challenges in the world to correct his horrible umpiring.

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